For the first time in more than two decades, Vanuatu is playing host to the Melanesian Arts and Culture Festival (MACFEST).

The biennial event brings together artists, performers and cultural practitioners from across Melanesian countries, a subregion of the Pacific, including Papua New Guinea, Solomon Islands, Fiji, Kanaky/New Caledonia and Vanuatu, as well as delegates from the Torres Strait and West Papua.

Themed "Rebuilding My Melanesia for Our Common Destiny" in 2023, MACFEST aims to promote and preserve traditional arts and culture, whilst also providing a platform for contemporary expressions of Melanesian identity.

Chief Model Joen from Vanuatu's second-largest island of Malekula, located north of the capital and host city Port Vila, said Melanesian culture was unique to the region.

"It's important to teach the young people about our Kastom (traditional culture)," he told ABC.

"If you look in our group, you can find all our young people wearing our ornaments.

"You cannot find our dancing anywhere else, it is unique."

The Festival, which first ran in 1998 will feature a range of cultural performances, including music, dance, storytelling, and theatre, as well as art exhibitions, handicraft vendors and other activities related to Melanesian arts and culture.

Thousands of attendees are expected across the 13-day event, with cultural practitioners, scholars, artists, and members of the public who are interested in Melanesian arts and culture expected to travel from across the region and there world for the seventh instalment of the festival.

Language is set to feature prominently across MACFEST 2023, with some 1,500 languages estimated to be spoken across the Melanesian sub-region, 800 alone in Papua New Guinea.

Teacher Mary Mogeror said experiencing the culture of other Melanesian people is fulfilling, giving her inspiration to share with students in her class.

"Learning about each others' Melanesian culture of life and togetherness helps celebrate it," she said.

"(It has been) really great to see other Melanesian people be together and share each others' cultures."

Festival media manager Ambong Thompson said the objective of MACFEST 2023 was for Melanesian people explore cultural differences whilst retaining their own.

"With the arrival of technology, the people looked at the culture of other countries rather than looking at what's in their own country," he said.

"Now it is up to us to preserve with the festival, to make sure that young people are involved in promoting this Melanesian culture."

MACFEST 2023 runs from July 19-31 at venues across Port Vila.